The new budget shows the shift towards a more sustainable way of life for the state, with an increased focus on renewables and intelligent communication.
Kerala’s budget for the financial year 2019-2020 puts impetus on setting up rooftop solar projects in the state while also pushing for the development of the electric vehicle sector in the state, reported Mercom India.
In his speech, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac mentioned that households have already registered for 200 MW of rooftop solar PV capacity in Kerala. According to Isaac’s budget speech, “The entire power requirement of ‘New Kerala’ will be ensured. Around 130-150 crore unit electricity will be made available from 500 MW rooftop solar PV projects, 500 MW floating solar PV projects and terrestrial (utility-scale) solar projects.”
Other focus areas
Funds will be provided from Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to install solar panels on the rooftop of government institutions like schools and hospitals. Kerala’s energy dependency on other states is going to increase in the future. Keeping this is mind, the government plans to provide ₹63,750 million (~$895.99 million) through the fund board to set up the required transmission system.
The budget also focuses on reducing the loss of power by encouraging the use of LED bulbs. The budget promises that funding will be ensured to the state’s electricity board for the bulk purchase of LED bulbs.
In accordance with the State Electric Vehicle Policy, steps will be taken to increase the number of electric vehicles to 1,000,000 by 2022. To promote widespread adoption, private EVs will be given rebate on the road tax. The government has also fixed a grant amount of ₹120 million (~$1.69 million) for starting an e-mobility promotion fund. This year, 10,000 electric autos will be given subsidy from this fund.
The new budget shows the shift towards a more sustainable way of life for the state, with an increased focus on renewables and intelligent communication. It also represents the positive outlook the state has towards changing its energy dynamics even though there are land availability issues for large-scale deployment of renewable.
